Top 8 Culinary Schools in USA
Culinary schools have given rise to new careers and opportunities in the job market. The curriculum in these institutions is aimed at nourishing the candidate’s culinary skills and abilities. This encompasses not just cooking dishes but also building one’s ability to create a new and delicious dish.
To become a professional in the field, it is very important to learn about food. Learning about the food makes it easier to learn about the culture and history behind the development of cuisine. The culinary schools in the USA are aimed towards fulfilling this very important requirement while also making sure that the candidate learns how to blend different items together to make the most authentic dishes.
Top 8 Culinary Schools in USA
Just like in any other part of the world, culinary schools have also become popular in the USA. Listed below are some of the most popular culinary schools that students can take admission in:
1. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The campuses of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts are located in Boulder, Colorado, Austin, and Texas. This culinary school is famous as it teaches culinary techniques taught by the “King of Chefs,” Auguste Escoffier.
The institute offers two types of degrees. Students with interest in pastry making can register for the diploma program in culinary arts or pastry arts. Apart from this, the institute also offers a complete two-year associate’s degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry.
The “Farm to Table” experience offered by the institute makes it one of the most unique and trusted culinary schools in the USA. Moreover, it is the only accredited institution that offers 100% online culinary degrees.
The institute has accreditations from famous institutes and organizations. These include American Culinary Federation (ACF), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Council on Occupational Education, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and more.
2. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
Kendall College School of Culinary Arts is a private institute that has campuses in Chicago and Illinois. The Kendall College School of Culinary Arts is a part of National Louis University. The National Louis University was started by Elizabeth Harrison in 1886 to train women as kindergarten teachers. Today, the university hosts a wide range of other programs, one among which is the popular Kendall College School of Culinary Arts.
This institute is the best if the candidate wishes to receive a culinary degree faster. The institute offers accelerated Associate degree programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry. However, the candidate is also open to attending a four-year bachelor’s degree in either field.
The Chicago campus of the institute gives the students hands-on experience in using industrial equipment. The curriculum of the program drives towards nurturing the candidate to become a better chef by contributing to their professional growth and development.
3. Culinary Institute LENOTRE
The Culinary Institute LENOTRE is a French-owned Culinary College which is situated in Houston, Texas. The institute was founded by Alain Lenotre in 1998. He was the son of the renowned and acclaimed French pastry chef Gaston Lenôtre and his wife, Marie Lenotre. Since its establishment, the institute has witnessed countless achievements and recognitions. Today it has ten kitchen and pastry labs that teach students important culinary techniques.
The institute is focused on providing hands-on experiences to the candidates for their professional growth and development. The school offers degrees in baking, pastry, and other culinary arts. The main focus is placed on mastering the art and intricacies of French cuisine.
Alongside providing professional courses, the institute also believes in serving and giving back to society. Culinary Institute LENOTRE supports many professional and charitable communities. These include Icing Smiles, EFGH (Éducation Française Greater Houston), Best Buddies Friendship Walk, and TWST (Together We Stand Tall).
Culinary Institute LENOTRE has in its account numerous awards that make it stand out from other culinary institutes. These include a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Houston, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, a US House of Representatives Commendation, an International Wine & Food Society Certificate of Appreciation, and more.
4. Johnson and Wales Culinary College
The Johnson and Wales Culinary College has campuses in Florida, Denver, Charlotte, and Providence. The institute has ten different culinary programs to choose from. Students have the option to choose from culinary arts, culinary nutrition, culinary science, baking and pastry arts, restaurant, food and beverage management, and more. The programs are taught under the expert guidance of expert chef-instructors. This helps the student learn the intricacies and craft of culinary arts with accuracy and precision.
Not just cooking, but the institute also makes sure that the student learns the business side of the industry. Former graduates from the institute have been successful in becoming chefs in popular restaurants such as Manresa, Esmé Chicago, Greenleaf Milford, and Vespertine.
5. Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
The Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies is situated in Louisville and Kentucky. Receiving a degree from the Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies will make you achieve the title and recognition of a professional baker or professional cook. The popularity of the institute is established by the fact that the American Culinary Federation bestowed the institute with an exemplary rating.
With the polished skills and abilities from the Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies, students will have the expertise to work in popular places like Restaurants
hotels and resorts, cruise ships, hospitals, educational institutions, food brokerage businesses, research and development kitchens, assisted living facilities, and more.
With a degree from the institute, the candidate will also be able to explore different roles within the food industry. Some of the most-demanded roles are restaurant owner, food stylist, caterer, personal chef, nutritionist, food scientist, food and beverage manager, and more.
6. Culinary Institute of Virginia
The Culinary Institute of Virginia has campuses situated in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Norfolk. The institute is focused on offering up-to-date and relevant instructions and guidance when it comes to the art of culinary. The experienced faculty of the institution has worked in fine dining establishments, national chains, convention centers, resorts, and more.
The institute world towards building the candidate’s expertise in culinary skills, management, and hospitality. Students also receive real-world experience via externship programs offered by the institute. The institute has relationships with the most popular and leading restaurants and food service organizations. Working with these organizations helps the student learn about the importance and significance of culinary art in the real world.
The reliability of the institute is established by the state licenses that it has received. The institute is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education (Florida Department of Education), the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia. The institute also has the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACF).
7. Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is situated in Traverse City, Michigan. The institute offers the student with a culinary arts level three certificate or a level one baking certificate. Students can also apply for an associate’s degree in applied sciences alongside a specialty in culinary arts. The institute is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
The different regress offered by the institute is Associate in Applied Science Degree-Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts Level II Certificate, Culinary Arts Level I Certificate, Culinary Arts Level III Certificate, and Culinary Maritime Certificate.
The program prepares the student for entry-level chef and kitchen management positions. Under the expert vision of experienced chefs and professionals, candidates learn how to function and conduct themselves in professional and official environments.
There are numerous career options that one can explore with a degree from Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College. These include Food Service Managers, chefs, head Cooks, Cooks for Private Households, Food Preparation Workers, Bartenders, Fast Food and Counter Workers, Baristas, Waiters and Waitresses, and more.
8. The Culinary Institute of New York
The Culinary Institute of New York is situated in the Bronx, New York. This institute is a part of the acclaimed Monroe College. The Culinary Institute of New York offers both hospitality management and culinary arts education. This institute was founded in the year 2009. Since its establishment, the institute has remained focused on encouraging passion, professionalism, and pride in the field of culinary arts.
The Culinary Institute of New York offers hands-on experience in culinary arts, pastry arts, and hospitality management. The institute was ranked seven as the best college for culinary arts in 2022. The Culinary Institute of New York is accredited by the American Culinary Federation’s Educational Foundation (ACFEF).
The different programs offered by the institute are Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry, Associate Degree in Hospitality Management, and Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management. The different career opportunities offered by earning these degrees are Chef de Partie, Assistant Garde Manger Chef, Junior Sous Chef, Assistant Pastry Chef, Cake Decorator, Artisan Bread Baker, Junior Chocolatier, Pastry Chef, Travel Coordinator, Front Desk Agent/Tour, Food Service/Restaurant Manager, Manager of Fast Food Services and more.
Conclusion
There are many people with interests in cooking and baking. Whilst it may not be the highest paying trades, you can earn a good living once you have the relevant experience and skills. However, to give this passion a professional route, one needs to earn a degree from an acclaimed institute or college. With people from around the world wanting to explore different cuisines, the job sector in the culinary field is witnessing constant openings and opportunities. To become the Picasso of the culinary world, it is important to learn under the expertise and guidance of professionals. The schools mentioned in the article are some of the best in the race.